Thursday, February 24, 2011

Your Stevensville MD Realtor

My name is Lisa Longest and I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland. I specialize in the areas of Stevensville, Chester, Grasonville, Queenstown, Centreville and the surrounding areas.

 

I have 8 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Realtor, I bring special tools and solutions that exceed the expectations of my clients.  If you are considering listing your property in Stevensville or surrounding areas, ask me about our latest marketing systems.  I am a talented contract negotiator who relies on market analysis of housing trends together with a keen understanding of each community’s unique characteristics.  I am certified to handle both sides of short sales and pre-foreclosure sales. .  I would love the opportunity to earn your business and look forward to hearing from you.

 

I work with people to help them build the lifestyle they want. I help them make decisions that will change their lives for the better. Houses aren't just products to me. They are the four walls that hold the people and the memories we love the most. Houses are where we build our lives, entertain friends, and care for the family. For years now, I've helped many people make life-changing decisions about where to live, In turn, it's changed my life. That's why I love being a Realtor.

 

Professional Affiliations:

ABR

CRS

SFR

E-Pro

The Maryland Association of Realtors

The Bay Area Board of Realtors

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc

National Association of Realtors

 

Awards:

Rookie Realtor Of The Year

Silver Volume Award

Bronze Volume Award

Executive Club Award

Certificate Of Recognition by Metropolitan’s Who’s Who

 

"I was walking out to my car when I got off work and I got the call. Lisa said, the sellers had accepted my offer. I could not believe it! The next few months were a whirl wind as Lisa warned me they would be; inspections, conditions, improvements, and not to mention I didn't pick the easiest company to work with to finance me, but Lisa took care of it all. We would talk as she explained everything and I calmed right down... with all that being said, I am truly thankful that Lisa is my real estate agent. I recommend her to everyone I know, and I will definitely use her as my agent when I purchase my next home. Thank you Exit Gold for employing such an honest, caring person. I could not have asked for someone better to guide me through the process."

"We would like to thank Exit Gold and Lisa Longest for the wonderful job in our search to buy our first home. Lisa was instrumental in helping us to find a mortgage broker, finding our new house and walking us through every step. She explained everything we needed to know. She looked out for our best interests during the whole process. She was very kind and a lot of fun to work with. We would recommend Lisa to anyone looking for a real estate agent, and we would love to call on her again when we need to purchase a home in the future."

"This is a brief note to express our thanks for all the diligent efforts by Lisa in the sale of our house. We had tried to sell our house with an agent that is a family friend several months prior to coming to Exit  Gold, but had no luck. Lisa had our house on the market the week after we talked to her, and had it sold one week after that. Lisa was a gem of an agent through the whole process, a true professional. Again, on behalf of my whole family, our many thanks for all her tact, poise, and plain hard work."

 I have lived here in Stevensville for the past 21 years.  I enjoy life in general, the good and the bad.  Life is one big experience to learn from.  I really enjoy just about anything outdoors, such as fishing, crabbing, boating, camping, hiking, horseback riding, gardening, etc.  My husband and I also spend a great deal of time in volunteer work for our ministry.

Friday, February 18, 2011

First Time Buyers Demand Move-In Ready Starter Homes

In the day, when you used the phrase "starter home", you would think of a little home or an entry level home, that might need a little TLC, and was affordable for a first-time home buyer. Then, once they get their foot in the door of purchasing a home, they could, through the years upgrade to larger, move-in ready homes.

In today's market however, with the abundance of home choices, current first-time home buyers want places that are move in ready. According to the National Association Of Realtor (NAR), first-time home buyers accounted for half of the market in 2010.

So, as a seller of a house in this market, you may want to consider these few points regarding first-time home buyers:

1. The market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than later.
2. They are finding their home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected.
3. They are able to get a home at a better price than expected.
4. Got more space than expected.
5. Able to lock in lower interest rates than expected.

What does this tell you, the seller? The condition and quality of their home matters a great deal. First-time home buyers can be choosy about what appeals to them and are recognizing the benefits of the low prices and wide selection of homes in many areas. They are in no hurry to purchase. They are taking their time and doing their homework. They know what they want, shopping on average of 11 homes before making a decision.

So, if you, as a seller, want these first-time home buyers to consider your home, one big thing you may want to make sure of is that your home is priced competitively. Also, along with price, consider the condition of your home. Remember, they want move-in ready homes.

My niche in the real estate business is working with first-time home buyers. I love being able to walk them through the processes of purchasing their first home. And in Stevensville and surrounding areas, we have a nice selection of homes that would be perfect for you as a first-time home buyer. What I like about the Stevensville area is location, location location. It is convenient to shops and services, close to work, even if you are a commuter across the bay Bridge, and near schools. So, get in touch with me, Lisa Longest, and allow me to get you started down the path of home ownership. My cell phone is 443-786-4200. Give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

First Time Buyers Demand Move-In Ready Starter Homes

In the day, when you used the phrase "starter home", you would think of a little home or an entry level home, that might need a little TLC, and was affordable for a first-time home buyer. Then, once they get their foot in the door of purchasing a home, they could, through the years upgrade to larger, move-in ready homes.

In today's market however, with the abundance of home choices, current first-time home buyers want places that are move in ready. According to the National Association Of Realtor (NAR), first-time home buyers accounted for half of the market in 2010.

So, as a seller of a house in this market, you may want to consider these few points regarding first-time home buyers:

1. The market afforded them the opportunity to buy a home sooner than later.
2. They are finding their home in a more desirable neighborhood than expected.
3. They are able to get a home at a better price than expected.
4. Got more space than expected.
5. Able to lock in lower interest rates than expected.

What does this tell you, the seller? The condition and quality of their home matters a great deal. They can be choosy about what appeals to them and are recognizing the benefits of the low prices and wide selection of homes in many areas. They are in no hurry to purchase. They are taking their time and doing their homework. They know what they want, shopping on average of 11 homes before making a decision.

So, if you, as a seller, want these first-time home buyers to consider your home, one big thing you may want to make sure of is that your home is priced competitively. Also, along with price, consider the condition of your home. Remember, they want move-in ready homes.

My niche in the real estate business is working with first-time home buyers. I love being able to walk them through the processes of purchasing their first home. And in Stevensville and surrounding areas, we have a nice selection of homes that would be perfect for you as a first-time home buyer. What I like about the Stevensville area is location, location location. It is convenient to shops and services, close to work, even if you are a commuter across the bay Bridge, and near schools. So, get in touch with me, Lisa Longest, and allow me to get you started down the path of home ownership. My cell phone is 443-786-4200. Give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Stevensville MD- Tenants Rights During Foreclosures/Short Sales

Okay, so you're not a homeowner. You have been renting for several years and now the landlord tells you that he/she is going through foreclosure, but for right now he is going to agree to a short sale of the property. (A short sale is an agreement with the bank to allow you to sell your house for less than is owed on the mortgage).

So you're wondering "Are there any special protections for me as a tenant of a house going into foreclosure/ or short sale?"

Well, there is a federal law, the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act, which gives additional rights to tenants living in a property that changes ownership due to foreclosure. This law requires a minimum of 90 days' notice to month-to-month tenants after the foreclosure has been completed. Tenants who have a bona fide lease are entitled to remain until the lease expires.

Now, it's different with short sales. You have no foreclosure act available to you because the foreclosure was never completed. So, the new owner taking title of the house by means of the short sale now becomes the landlord and can decide to continue your tenancy or terminate it. And yes, he would still have to follow the usual 30-60 day notice period if you have been a tenant for more than one year.

So there you have it in a nut shell. If you find yourself in this situation and need to find another place to lease, I will be glad to assist you. I specialize in the Stevensville and surrounding areas and have access to rentals in the area. Feel free to contact me, Lisa Longest,at 443-786-4200 or at the office located at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD. 21666

Monday, February 7, 2011

Stevensville, MD: Carpet or Hardwood Best for Condo Resale?

Okay, everyone knows we have quite a few condo's and townhouses in Stevensville and surrounding areas. So, I'm getting this question asked often: I am looking to remodel my condo for resale. What is the best for resale value? Hardwood/Laminate, carpet, a little of both?

In my personal and professional opinion, I would chose hardwood flooring. This is why. Most people will replace carpet when they purchase. Plus, carpet seems to wear so poorly, so I'm actually seeing less and less.

I never recommend running tile/travertine/stone throughout a home either, because I think it makes a home cold, in general. Yes, use it in bathrooms, kitchen, and entry way, but that's it. And on this matter, I'm seeing houses with the larger tiles, such as the 24x24 inch,that has a lot of character and looks amazing being used.

So, what kind of wood floors are being used? Wide plank distressed floors, and the stain would depend on how light or dark your home is. In the bedrooms, I believe the wood floors add warmth, as well as value to the home. Don't forget to throw down a throw rug so your toes have something soft to step onto.

I hope this helps. So, if I can be of further assistance, just give me a call, Lisa Longest at 443-786-4200 or stop in and see me at Exit Gold Realty, located at 1241 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD. 21666. I am a certified Residential Specialist, specializing in the Stevensville, Md and surrounding areas. So let me help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Or, if you just want a FREE market analysis, I can do this as well.